The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services has warned that climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events across Malawi, according to Nyasa Times. While presenting the 2025 State of Climate Report on Wednesday, officials noted that the 2025/2026 rainfall season has already shown irregular patterns, including abnormally high lightning activity. Department Director Lucy Mtilatila said these volatile weather systems are causing widespread disruptions to the agriculture, health, and energy sectors.
These climate shifts have pushed an estimated 2.9 million people into food insecurity following prolonged dry spells, Nyasa Times reports. Data from the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee indicates the crisis has impacted approximately 650,000 households across multiple districts. To address immediate weather threats, the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services issued a forecast on March 31 predicting heavy rains and localized thunderstorms over the lakeshore areas due to an unstable easterly air mass.
Meanwhile, local scuba divers in Cape Maclear have launched a volunteer initiative to clear plastic pollution from Lake Malawi, according to Broadcast Media Africa. Organised by the nonprofit group Health, Education, Environment, and Economic Development, the divers are actively collecting plastic bottles and debris from the lake bed. Lake Malawi National Park Ranger Alex Basikolo warned that accumulated garbage threatens underwater fish breeding grounds and local livelihoods. Project manager Violet Zakaria stated that the organisation needs financial support to expand the cleanup, noting that over 70 percent of Malawi's plastic waste is currently disposed of improperly.